Volvo Faces Lawsuit in Mexico Over Truck Performance Issues

Transportes Peñón Blanco has initiated legal proceedings against Volvo Trucks Mexico and Volvo Trucks North America. This lawsuit follows issues with Volvo's VNL630 truck model, which TPB claims did not meet the promised specifications and performance standards.

The dispute began on Dec. 7, 2020, when Volvo Trucks announced it would halt sales of its entire truck lineup in Mexico. This move forced many transport companies, including TPB, to urgently seek new truck suppliers amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

TPB chose Volvo Trucks in 2013, attracted by assurances that the VNL630 model would comply with Mexican regulations for double semi-trailers and adhere to NOM-012 standards for weights and dimensions. However, TPB's legal representative, Ricardo Tamez Flores, reported ongoing issues with the trucks, especially concerning their transmissions and engines. “From the outset, the units faced performance problems,” Tamez Flores said. “Despite efforts to address warranty claims, the resolution was inadequate. Even with the previous CEO, Luz Elena Jurado, there was little interest in resolving these issues.”

After Volvo's unexpected departure from Mexico, TPB sought legal action in the United States to claim warranties and address what it views as mismanagement by Volvo. Tamez Flores criticized Volvo’s abrupt market withdrawal and lack of communication, stating, “We learned about Volvo’s exit through the media and have yet to receive any formal communication.”

The lawsuit aims to address the misinformation and operational difficulties faced by transport companies, including halted units and driver retention challenges. Tamez Flores stressed that the legal action is not merely about compensation but also about holding Volvo accountable for its commitments in the Mexican market.

The lawsuit seeks to demonstrate that the VNL630 model failed to meet the specifications required by NOM-012, which allows for loads of 65 to 75 tons. “We found that these trucks were only capable of carrying up to 35 tons,” Tamez Flores explained. “This discrepancy resulted in significant operational issues, including frequent transmission and engine failures.”